Ethylene/vinyl chloride/n-methylolacrylamide/n-(alkoxymethyl)acrylamide latices

ABSTRACT

Ethylene/vinyl chloride/N-methylolacrylamide/N(alkoxymethyl)acrylamide interpolymer useful as bonding agent for nonwoven fibrous products.

United States Patent 1191 2 9 31 Chi 81 111 13 972 Andersen 1 Oct. 22, 1974 1541 ETHYLENE/VINYL [56] References Cited CHLORIDE/NMETHYLOLACRYLAMIDE- UNITED STATES PATENTS /N (ALKOXYMETHYL) ACRYLAMIDE 3.428.582 2/1969 Deex 260/8 LATICES 3,567,491 3/1971 Graham 260/296 TA x 3,658,579 4/1972 Ottinger et a1. 260/296 TA X [75] Inventor Harry Andersen 3.665.060 5 1972 Bergomi et a1. 260/296 TA x [73] Assignee: Monsanto Company, St. Louis, Mo. 3.700.492 10/1972 Bergomi 260/296 TA X 3, 49, 9) 7 97 11' 26) 29.6 T 22 Filed: May 22, 1972 7 6 1 3 Pm H A [21] Appl. No; 255,373 Primary ExaminerLuci11e M. Phynes Attorney, Agent, or Firm-J. E. Maurer; N. E. Willis; 52 u.s.c1. ..260/29.6 TA, 260/29.4 UA, Mm

260/296 RW, 260/30.4 N, 260/326, 260/785, 260/80.73,117/139.5 A, 117/161 UT [57] ABSTRACT Ethy1ene/vinyl chloride/Nmet11y1o1acry1amide/N(- [51] Int. Cl. C08f 45/24 alkoxymethy1)acry1amide interpolymer useful as bond- Field Of Search TA, 78.5 BB, ing agent for nonwoven fibrous products 6 Claims, No Drawings ETIIYLENE/ VINYL CHLORIDE/N-METHYLOLACRYLAMlDEl- N-(ALKOXYMETHYL) ACRYLAMIDE LATICES BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to ethylene/vinyl chloride/N- methylolacrylamide/N-(alkoxymethyl)acrylamide or N-alkoxy substituted acrylamide interpolymers. It also relates to nonwoven fibers bonded with such interpolymers. r

2. Description of the Prior Art Many known polymers are useful as binders for nonwovens in their latex or solution form. Generally, latices are used for ease of application. However, many of these latices are unsatisfactory for a variety of reasons.

Some require external cross-linking agents. Others lack I mechanical or shear strength, especially at high temperatures. Still others require long curing times at high temperatures.

Other latices do not provide nonwoven fabrics having satisfactory resistance to solvents, laundering or dry cleaning. Some adversely affect the strength, hand or drape of the bonded fibers.

Polymers and nonwovens using such polymers as bonding agents that do not possess any of the above mentioned disadvantages would be an advancement in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Briefly, in accordance with this invention, it was found that ethylene/vinyl chloride/N- methylolacrylamide/N-(alkoxymethyl)acrylamide or N-alkoxy substituted acrylamides are useful as bonding agents for nonwoven-fibers. The novel polymers provide nonwovens having satisfactory resistance to so]- vents, laundering and dry cleaning as well as adequate strength, hand and drape. Novel latices are self crosslinkable and have high shear or mechanical stability. They require short curing times at low temperatures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The term nonwoven fibrous material as used herein means a consolidated mass of fibers laid down by mechanical, chemical, pneumatic, electrical or vacuum means or otherwise deposited in the desired shape either flat (webs, mats or sheets) or three dimensional.

The interpolymers of this invention comprise ethylene (E), vinyl chloride (VCL), N-methylolacrylamide (MA) and a compound represented by the formulas o cHFn-I :NHoH20Y X romvrpga wherein X represents CH or hydrogen and Y represents an alkyl group containing from one to carbon atoms.

Formula Name 0 N(methoxymetl1yl) acrylamide (MMA).

N(ethoxymethy1) acrylamide (EMA).

Formula I Name 0 N(butoxymethy1) acrylamldo g (B MA). CH2C H- NH-CH2O C 4H:

0 N (oelaoxymethyl) acrylamldo N(mothoxymnthyl) math- 0 g acrylamide (MMMA). -CH =C --NHCH OCI I@ 0 N(pro xymethyl) methacryl- & ami g (PMMA). CHz=C- NHCH OC H N(but0xymethy1) methacrylamide (B MMA).

O Nfiientoxymethyl) methacryl- I) amide (AMMA). CH =C- NHCH2OC5Hi1 0 N(hexoxyrnethyl) methacrylg amide (HMMA). CH =C- NH CH2OCBH13 I CH 0 N(n0noxymethy1) methacryl- 4]: amide (NMMA).

Nora-BMA and EMMA are preferred.

BMA and BMMA are preferred.

The interpolymers of this invention comprise about 5 to percent ethylene, 30 to 95 percent vinyl chlo ride, 0.1 to 10 percent methylolacrylamide and'0.1 to

10 percent of a compound represented by Formula I.

Preferably, the interpolymers comprise 20 to 40 percent ethylene, 60 to percent vinyl chloride and 2 to 6 percent N-methylolacrylamide and 2 to 6 percent of a compound represented by Formula I. All percentages areby weight, based on the weight of the interpolymer.

external cross-linking agents are needed and curing conditions are mild. For example, curing takes place at a temperature of from about lO0 to l8 0 C in from -3 to 25 minutes. This results in highly cross linked polymers as shown by their insolubility in a suitable solvent:

at least 60 to percent and preferably at least 80 percent by weight insoluble. Cross-linked polymers of this invention maintain their strength when used at high temperatures.

Interpolymer latices of the present invention generally contain from about 5 percent to about 65 percent of the interpolymer by weight, preferably such latices contain from about 10 to about 60 percent by weight of inte p mer fo a of a p i at o y means of 2,000 angstroms and a number average molecular weight from about 7,000 to about 35,000 as measured by gel permeation chromotography.

The interpolymers of this invention can be prepared by various means well known in the art. Preferably,

they are prepared by emulsion polymerization. For example, they are prepared by first mixing ethylene and vinyl chloride in an aqueous medium in the presence of any suitable anionic or nonionic emulsifier and any initiator capable of generating free radicals in the chemical mixture at the chosen reaction temperature and pressure. The N-methylolacrylamide and a compound represented by Formula I in aqueous solution is added to the polymerizing ethylene and vinyl chloride mixture gradually throughout-the reaction. The addition of the N-methyiolacrylamide and a compound defined by Formula'l is preferably begun soon after polymerization starts and isadded linearly with conversion of monomer to polymer.

The interpolymers of this invention are more preferably prepared by processes which comprise mixing ethylene and vinyl chloride monomers in the presence of an alkaline or acidic buffered, reduction-oxidation (redox) initiator-catalyst system, water and from about 1 percent to about 8 percent based upon the polymer product of an anionic emulsifying agent and reacting the mixture at a temperature, pressure and for a sufficient time to cause polymerization between the ethylene and vinyl chloride 7 to begin. Then, N- methylolacrylamide and one of the compounds represented by Formula I in an appropriate diluent such as water is introduced into the reaction mixture. The process is described in more detail in US. Pat. No. 3,428,582 and the subject matter thereof is expressly incorporated herein byreference.

Surprisingly, it was found that when the interpolymers of the present invention were prepared by emul sion polymerization that unless the N- methylolacrylamide was present, the latex coagulated on venting. I

The bonded nonwoven fibrous products of this invention can be formed of either natural or synthetic fibers or any combination thereof with the selection of the fiber merely depending upon the specific end use intended for the bonded nonwoven fibrous product.

Among the fibers that can be used in accordance with this invention are natural fibers, for example, wood, jute, sisal hemp, cotton, cotton linters, silk, mohair, cashmere, asbestos, wool and glass, and synthetic fibers, for example, rayon cellulose esters such as cellulose acetate, poiyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl acetate, polyacrylanitrile and copolymers thereof, polyethylene, polypropylene and the like, polyesters such as ethand the like. In general, the wood fiber comprises the major amount of the fiber content of such bonded nonwoven fibrous products. Combinations of glass fiber and asbestos fiber aregenerally employed in insulating 4 applications. The weight ratio of glass fiber to cellulosic fiber insuch bonded nonwoven fibrous products is usually from 1:10 to about 10:1. I

ln wearing apparei applications, ,a combination of wood fibers and nylon fibers or a combination of wood fibers and rayon fibers can be advantageously employed. Combinations of wood fiber and nylon fiber as well as combinations of wood fiber and polyester fiber are also widely employed in various applications where reinforced sheeting is required. In such combinations of natural and synthetic fibers, the weight ratio of natural fiber to synthetic fiber is generally from about 1:20 to about 20:1 and preferably from about 1:1 to about 3: l.

The nonwoven fibrous materials useful in the preparation of the bonded nonwoven fibrous products of this invention can be prepared by any method known to the art. Thus, the nonwoven fibrous material can be made of fibers deposited in a random manner as well as fiber oriented or aligned along a particular axis. Nonwoven fibrous materials in the form of two-dimensional webs can be prepared by the following methods; Oriented webs are "produced using conventional web-style machines, such as openers, pickers, cards, or garnetts. Cross-laid webs are made in a manner'similar to oriented webs, except that the fibers are carefully placed at right angles to the machine direction to improve cross-wise strength. t

Random webs are produced in air-lay machines, and the nonwoven fibrous material has equal strength in all directions. in the air-lay method, continuous filaments are fed through a cutter or'breaker which discharges the fibers into the discharge side of a blower. Suitable conduits are provided to guide the fibers to a collecting screen or air-pervious structure for collecting the fibers in the form desired. The screen may be in the form of an endless traveling belt passing through the lower portion of a tower into the upper portion of which the blown fibers are introduced by the conduit. A suction box may be placed beneath the traveling screen to assist in the deposition of the fibers thereon. instead of using a traveling flat screen, a stationary formed screen may be used. For example, the screen may take the form of a hat shaped cone, such as that used in the felt hat-making industry. Alternatively, it may have any other form which is'suitable to produce the desired shape of thebonded nonwoven fibrous product such as a rectangular tray. As is the case with the endless traveling belt, suction may also be applied beneath the stationary screen to assist deposition of the fibers thereon.

.ulate them as fibers in the vicinity of the orifices. Electrostatic spinning methods can also be employed for this purpose. As in the case of the use of blowers, the disrupted and dispersed fibers can be directed to the top of the settling tower and allowed to settle with the aid of suction devices upon a suitable traveling or stationary screen at the bottom of the tower. This procedure is particularly adapted to the production of fibers of siliceous materials such as glass or mineral wool, as well as to thermoplastic resin fibers.

Wet random webs are formed from a slurry of dispersed fiber on papermaking or modified papermaking machines. Spunbonded webs are made of randomly oriented continuous filament fibers bonded at the crossover point. The method includes extrusion of the continuous filament fibers, drawing to orient the fiber, some fiber entanglement by liquids or air, and bonding at the cross-over points. i

The bonded nonwoven fibrous products of this invention are generally prepared by a method which comprises consolidating the loose fibers into nonwoven fibrous material having the structural configuration of the desired bonded nonwoven fibrous product, dispersing an interpolymer bonding agent of this invention within the nonwoven fibrous material, and heating the impregnated nonwoven fibrous material to a temperature sufficient to coalescence and fuse the interpolymer, and optionally heating to a temperature sufficient to cross-link the interpolymer if a sulfur cross-linking agent is employed.

Another method for the preparation of the bonded nonwoven fibrous products of this invention which is particularly useful when the nonwoven fibrous material is formed by the air-lay method in an air-lay machine comprises contacting the fibers with an interpolymer dispersion or powder as they fall through the settling chamber to their point of deposition. This is advantageously carried out by spraying the interpolymer dispersion or powder into the settling'chamber at some intermediate point between the top and the bottom thereof. By spraying the fibers as they descend to the point of collection, it is possible to effect a thorough distribution of the interpolymer bonding agent among the fibers before they are collected into the nonwoven fibrous material. In the production of certain fibrous products wherein a hot molten mass of a polymer such as nylon or a fused siliceous mass or glass is disrupted by jets of heated air of steam, the bonding agent dispersion or powder can be sprayed directly on the fibers while still hot so that immediately after deposition the bonding agent is set and it bonds and interlocks the fibers in proper relationship. Still another method involves adding theinterpolymer to the fibers prior to consolidation as, for example, by adding the interpolymer to the aqueous fiber slurry in a modified papermaking process.

The interpolymer bonding agents of this invention can be applied to the fibers of the nonwoven fibrous material by any means known in the art. The interpolymer bonding agents are usually applied to the fibers of the nonwoven fibrous material by application to the surface thereof, or by submersion of the nonwoven fibrous material in a liquid, thickened or foamed dispersion so that the bonding agent penetrates into the inte-' rior of the nonwoven fibrous material. They can also be precipitated ontothe cellulosic fibers. Where the nonwoven fibrous material is a two-dimensional fabric in the form of a fleece or web, the bonding agents are usually applied in the form of an aqueous dispersion. In a typical application, the fabric is impregnated with the bonding agent by dipping or immersing the fabric in the dispersion to provide sufficient wet pickup of the bonding agent. The wetted, nonwoven fibrous material in the form of a fleece or web can be passed between a pair of pressure rolls to effect substantially uniform impregnation and also to control the amount of the bonding agent applied. The impregnated nonwoven fibrous material is dried by conventional means known to the art in order to remove all or a portion of the water and to effect coalescence and fusion of the interpolymer within the nonwoven fibrous material. The drying tem perature and drying time are dependent upon the size. shape and cross-section of the impregnated,-nonwoven fibrous material. In general, the drying temperature is controlled so that no appreciable deterioration or degradation of the fibers or the interpolymer occurs.

When the interpolymer bonding agents of this invention are used in the form of a latex or aqueous dispersion, the dispersion generally contains from about 5 percent to about 65 percent of the interpolymer by weight. Such dispersions preferably contain from about 10 percent to about 60 percent by weight of interpolymer for ease of application by means of dipping, soaking, spraying and the like.

The amount of bonding agent based on the weight of the fiber component of the bonded nonwoven fibrous product can vary widely depending upon the characteristics desired in the final product, and the specific end use. The bonded nonwoven fibrous products of this invention generally contain from about 2 percent to about 200 percent of interpolymer based on the weight of the fibers. For the production of preforms intended to be converted into shaped articles, it is preferred to employ from about'2 percent to about 10 percent of the bonding agent based on the weight of the fibers. in the production of insulation materials; the amount of bonding agentemployed generally falls in the lower part of the above range if the bonding agent is applied primarily adjacent to the surface or surfaces of the product or if it is applied in conjunction with other binders.

When the bonding agent is to serve mainly to bond the fibers together to form a bonded nonwoven fibrous product in which the maximum porosity is retained in conjunction with a minimum change of fiber hand and 'drape characteristics as well as an increase in tensile strength, thereis preferably employed from about 10 percent to about 70 percent by weight of bonding agent solids based on fiber content. The lower portion of this range generally gives the maximum porosity and provides a minimum change in the fiber hand and drape characteristics although in the higher portion of this range porosity is mainly retained and the fiber hand and drape characteristics are still evident. The bonded nonwoven fibrous products thus obtained are advantageously used for many sanitary purposes, such as table napkins, bibs, tablecloths, sanitary napkin covers, disposable diapers, disposable sheets, and surgical dressings and compresses. When this amount of bonding agent is used there is relatively little or no window paning, i.e., the interstices between the fibers are left open leaving a highly porous bulky product. If desired, the density of the product can be modified by the application of various amounts of pressure prior to, or in many cases, after the saturated nonwoven fibrous ma terial has been heated for bonding.

Bonded nonwoven fibrous products containing from about 40 percent to about percent by weight of bonding agent based on the weight of the fiber generally find use in the garment industry to provide interlining fabrics for coats, dresses, collars, cuffs and the like and to provide outer wearing apparel fabrics, such as blouses, skirts, shirts, dresses and the like. Bonded nonwoven'fibrous products containing the bonding agent in this'range are also useful as curtain and drapery materials; In addition to the general household and apparel uses mentioned above, the bonded nonwoven fibrous products of this invention in which 10 percent to I percent by weight of bonding agent based on the weight of thefiber is employed find many light indus- Bonded nonwoven fibrous products of the present invention which contain from about 100 percent to about 200 percent by weight of the bonding agent based on the weight of the fiber are particularly useful for'heavy industrial uses where durability and resistance to wear are desired. Such uses include industrial gaskets, packings, filters and the like.

if desired, the aqueous interpolymer dispersion can also'contain a-wetting agent to assist penetration of the nonwoven fibrous material to which it is applied. The aqueous dispersions can also contain a foaming agent or they can contain a'defoamer when the ingredients of the aqueous dispersion have a tendency to give rise to foaming and when such foaming is undesirable. The conventional wetting agents such as the sodium salt of dioctyls'uccinic acidcan be used and the conventional foaming and defoaming agents can be employedsuch as sodium soaps including sodium oleate for foaming and octyl alcohol or' certainsilicone antifoaming agents for defoaming.

The bonded nonwoven fibrous products of this invention are characterized by high tensile strength, good elongation, softness, good hand and flexibility, good drape and resistance to many common solvents and detergents. With these properties, the bonded nonwoven fibrous products of this invention are suitable for use in a wide variety of end applications, many of which have been noted above and including, for example, paperboard, cleansingtissues, toweling, wrappings .for food products, tea bags, wallpaper, mats, napkins, table cloths, heat or sound insulating materials, electrolytic condensers, luggage skin. and interiors, glue coated tape stocks, pressure sensitive tape stocks, masking sheets, pennants, banners, labels, book cover stocks, projection screens, gaskets, printing press top cover sheets, waterproofwrapping paper, sandpaper backs, printing tape, hospital items such as caps, masks, gowns, jackets, scrub pants, capes, shoe covers, wash cloths, pillow cases, wipes, bandages, alcohol preps, surgical dressings, napkins, cubicle curtains, drapes, diapers and sheets, filters for food processing, motors, machines, air systems or liquid systems, electrical insulators, tapes, ribbons, automobile head and arm rests,

bonded nonwoven fibrous products, particularly when they are in the form of fabric material. The preferred aminoplast resins for blending with the interpolymers are the condensation products or precondensates of urea and formaldehyde and ethylene, urea and formaldehyde.

The following examples will illustrate the invention. Parts and percentages are by weight unless otherwise indicated.

, EXAMPLE I Reaction Vessel lnitial Charge Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) l.5 g Feethylenediamine tetraacetate (FE'EDTA) L0 in mole NH OH 750 m moles (50 ml. conc Ammonium'persulfate (APS) 1 l00 m moles (22.8 g)

H 0 5 l700 g Initial Monomer Ethylene t 560 g VCL 670 g Added ln Run Sodium formaldehyde sulfoxytate (SFS) :48 in mole Auxilary SLS stream 24 gm (80 mi of Y 30% soln.) MA 49 gm Mixed stream of 30% MA. BMA' :4 g gm 30% BMA,

7.5% SLS. SLS 12 gm I63 ml total 'iso form Polymerization 330 minl40ll920 psi Product latex 3710 g pH 9.3 polymer i805 g surface tension 45/dy/cm ethylene 22.3% viscosi 86 cp VCL 72.3% T.S. 1 50.6% .MA 2.7% Tg 2.0C

BMA 2.7% SLS 2.0%

Initial Charge is added to a 1 gallon stirred autoclave, then initial Monomer. Polymerization is started by pumping in SFS solution. Pressure is maintained by adding VCL on demand (780 g is used). Within a minute or two after polymerization starts, the auxilary SLS stream is started, followed by the Mixed Stream at a rate proportional to the VCL pumping rate. After 330 minutes, the reaction is stopped and the latex rapidly vented through a ball valve at the bottom of the clave.

The later; did not break when subjected to a 10 seconds" rate of shear.

Cross-linking is determined as follows. A sample of Example 1 latex is cast on a glass plate, air-dried, and

. heat-treated in a circulating air oven for 20 minutes at EXAMPLE ll.

An aqueous dispersion of 22.3/72.3/2.7/2.7 weight percent E/VCL/MA/BMAlinterpolymer prepared EXAMPLE Ill The following interpolymer latices are prepared and tested substantially in accordance with the procedure of Example I above.

iNsoL jected to calendering through a single nip for smoothness and tested for hand and drape characteristics,-

toughness and tensile strength. Hand and drape characteristics are determined qualitatively by touch and results are given on a scale of 1 through 10. Number 1 means very soft and highly flexible. Number 10 means very rough and non-flexible. Tensile strength is determined by TAPP T404 05-61 with a table model Instron. Toughness is determined by measuring the area under the stress strain curve. Results and further details are given in the Table below where the amount of bonding agent in the bonded nonwoven fabric is given AVG in percent by dry weight based on the weight of the Panicle fiber in the nonwoven fabric, tensile strength is given composlt'on Sm C THF m lb./m. width and toughness 1S given in inch-pounds.

Bonding Agent, Composition Bonding Agent Hand A in Nonand Tensile E VCL MA BMAI woven Fabric Drape Strength Toughness 'iso form E/VCL/MA/BMA' EXAMPLE Vll 24.4/68/8/3.4/3.4 750 50,000 1.5 84 I fgg/ /g/g/JJ 33.888 g The procedure of Example V1 is repeated using an ElilCLlM AioMA E/VCL/MA/OMAin place of E/VCL/MA/BMA. The 26.7/77.9/3.6/2.s W ,7 40 4 ,000 3 results are given below. w

Bonding Agent %Composition Bondin Agent Hand in onand Tensile E VCL MA OMA woven Fabric Drape Strength Toughness 25.4/66.0/3.6/5.0 770 52.000 63 EXAMPLE v11] n36 form 40 Similar results are obtained using the latices of Example IV as bonding agents in Example VI. What is claimed is: EXAMPLE IV The following interpolymer latices are prepared substantially in accordance with the procedure of Example 1 above.

E/VCL/MA/MMA E/VCL/MA/EMA E/VCL/MA/AMA E/VCL/MA/NMA E/VCL/MA/MMMA E/VCL/MA/BMMA E/VCL/MA/OMMA EXAMPLE V Latices of Example W are coagulated by means of isopropanol and are washed and dried.

EXAMPLE Vl Preweighed samples of Hollingsworth and Vose nonwoven fabric composite comprising 75 weight percent cellulosic fiber and 25 weight percent nylon fiber are immersed in aqueous dispersions of E/VCL/MA/BMA bonding agents. The aqueous dispersions contain 13.5 weight percent interpolymer solids. The impregnated fabrics are passed through a size press, weighed, dried for about 2 minutes at a temperature of about 1 18 C and weighed. The bonded nonwoven fabrics are subl. Anaqueous dispersion of an interpolymer consisting essentially of (A) 5 to 70 weight percent ethylene, (B) 30 to 95 weight percent vinyl chloride, (C) 2 to 6 weight percent N-methylolacrylamide and (D) 2 to 6 weight percent of a compound represented by the formula wherein X represents CH or H and Y represents an alkyl group from one to 10 carbonatoms.

2. An aqueous dispersion according to claim 1 wherein said interpolymer consists essentially of from about 20 to about 40 weight percent of (A), and to about weight percent of (B).

3. A composition according to claim 2 wherein X is H and Y is an alkyl group containing four carbon atoms.

4. An interpolymer of (A) 5 to 70 weight percent ethylene, (B) 30 to weight percent vinyl chloride, (C) 2 to 6 weight percent N-methylolacrylamide and (D) 2 to 6 weight percent of a compound represented by the formula o 5. A interpolymer according to claim 4 consisting esg y sentially of from about 20 to about 40 weight percent k of (A), 60 to about 85 weight percent of (B),

-- 6. An interpolymer according to claim 5 wherein X Y is H and Y is. an aik l mu containin four carbon wherein X represents CH or H and Y represents an atoms y g p g alkyl group front one to lQ carbon atoms. 

1. AN AQUEOUS DISPERSION OF AN INTERPOLYMER CONSISTING ESSENTIALLY OF (A) 5 TO 70 WEIGHT PERCENT ETHYLENE, (B) 30 TO 95 WEIGHT PERCENT VINYL CHLORIDE, (C) 2 TO 6 WEIGHT PERCENT N-METHYLOLACRYLAMIDE AND (D) 2 TO 6 WEIGHT PERCENT OF A COMPOUND REPRESENTED BY THE FORMULA
 2. An aqueous dispersion according to claim 1 wherein said interpolymer consists essentially of from about 20 to about 40 weight percent of (A), and 60 to about 85 weight percent of (B).
 3. A composition according to claim 2 wherein X is H and Y is an alkyl group containing four carbon atoms.
 4. An interpolymer of (A) 5 to 70 weight percent ethylene, (B) 30 to 95 weight percent vinyl chloride, (C) 2 to 6 weight percent N-methylolacrylamide and (D) 2 to 6 weight percent of a compound represented by the formula
 5. A interpolymer according to claim 4 consisting essentially of from about 20 to about 40 weight percent of (A), 60 to about 85 weight percent of (B).
 6. An interpolymer according to claim 5 wherein X is H and Y is an alkyl group containing four carbon atoms. 